Otto Erich Becker, Jr.

Otto Erich Becker, Jr. was born on November 1, 1934 in Serbin, Texas to Otto Bernard Becker and Hulda Lydia (Bohot) Becker. He was baptized on November 4, 1934 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin by Rev. Herman Schmidt. He attended St. Paul Lutheran School and was confirmed on March 21, 1948 at St. Paul Lutheran Church by Rev. Paul Eifert.

Otto served in the U.S. Army from 1957 until 1959 where he was stationed in Germany. He served an additional four years in the Army Reserves, receiving his Honorable Discharge on April 30, 1963. Otto was united in marriage to Janiece Marylin Kappler on November 3, 1962 at St. Paul Lutheran Church by Rev. Arthur Arndt. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Sandra & Debra. He worked for Lee County for 20 years before being elected Lee County Commissioner of Precinct 2 in 1974. He served as County Commissioner for 24 years, retiring in 1998. Otto was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin where he had served on numerous committees and boards and held various offices. He was a member of the Texas Wendish Heritage Society and the South Lee County Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed farming, taking care of his cattle, roadwork, fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed his trips to the deer lease in the hill country.

were Christopher Schimank, Billy Todd, Josh Posas, Virgil Becker, Gary Becker, Michael Becker, Alton Boriack and Ronnie Herzog. Honorary pallbearers were Brandy Todd, Corie Schimank, Ryne Todd, Rylan Todd, Heather Hartfield and Haley Hartfield. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin, the South Lee County Volunteer Fire Department, or to the charity of one’s choice. Otto passed away the morning of Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the Giddings Residence and Rehabilitation Center following a battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto & Hulda Becker; his three brothers, Rubin Becker & his wife, Ruth, Tom Becker & his wife, Helen and Fred “Fritz” Becker; his three sisters, Adalia Becker (in infancy), Esther Zoch and Ruth Herzog & her husband, Richard; three sisters-in-law, Alvina Derenberger, Doris Arldt & her husband, Edwin, and Ruth Schimank, and a brother-in-law, Berry Hugo.

Otto is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janiece Becker of Serbin; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra & Clyde “Shorty” Schimank of Serbin and Debra & Douglas Hartfield of Serbin; five grandchildren, Brandy Todd & her husband, Billy of Jasper, Christopher Schimank of Serbin, Corie Schimank of Serbin, Heather Hartfield & Josh Posas of Serbin and Haley Hartfield of Serbin; two great grandchildren, Ryne & Rylan Todd both of Jasper; two sisters, Bernice Boriack & her husband, Alfred of Lincoln and Mandy Hugo of Brenham; three brothers-inlaw, Bill Derenberger of Austin, Lorenz Schimank of Giddings and Paul Zoch of Serbin; one sister-in-law, Mary Ann Becker of Serbin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Saturday, June 13, 2015 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin with Rev. John Schmidt officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.